Decision
Hard Calls Pro launches Sunday 2026-08-09. Hockey Stick launches Sunday 2026-08-16. Both newsletters are kept ad-free through their respective launch weekends to keep focus on converting internal products. First paid ad slot is 2026-08-23 (Emergent, featured placement).
Context
Blake posted the content schedule to content. There are paid partners in the queue; the ad-free window was a deliberate hold, not a gap. Blake will send ad copy on Mondays the week before the Sunday send (e.g., Emergent copy goes out 2026-08-17 for the 2026-08-23 send).
Options considered
Not documented. Decision was announced, not debated in channel.
Consequences
- No ad revenue for Hard Calls or Hockey Stick issues of 2026-08-09 and 2026-08-16.
- Sales/conversion focus for both issues during launch windows.
- Emergent integration is the first post-launch ad; copy deadline is Monday 2026-08-18.
- Future agents scheduling sponsorships for these two newsletters should treat 8/9 and 8/16 as blocked.
Follow-up (2026-08-07, Michael via Hermes)
The Hard Calls rebrand launch is delayed (Michael, Aug 7), so the 2026-08-09 Hard Calls Pro date above is no longer operative. Do not schedule content, ads, or launch work against 8/9. The Hockey Stick 8/16 date was not addressed in the same note; verify before acting on it. Ad-free windows follow whatever new dates get set.